Sensational Sachin returns

India may have lost yesterday’s match against the West Indies on the Duckworth/Lewis system, but they regained their star batsman Sachin Tendulkar who returned from a six month injury lay-off in fine style.

15 Sep 2006 07:46 GMT

Sachin Tendulkar celebrates a century on return

33 year old Tendulkar scored an unbeaten 141 off 148 deliveries, posting his 40th one-day century in his side’s total of 309 in the DLF Cup match at the Kinrara Academy Oval in Kuala Lumpur.

"For a guy coming back after six months, it showed how much of a genius he is. We just had to watch him and appreciate him. It was a very special innings," said West Indies captain Lara.

"Sachin is the best player I have seen and the best player I have played against," added Australian captain Ponting,

"He's got a good record against Australia and when I look at his overall record, something like 75 hundreds in international cricket ,that is just an amazing statistic."

Tendulkar had been out of the game after undergoing shoulder surgery in March, and his return to form is a major boost for India ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy to be held in his home country next month.

"It was a very special 100," said Tendulkar.

"I'm feeling absolutely fine and very happy to last 50 overs and still be running. It is a reflection of what I have been doing the past few months.

Hats off: West Indies players seeTendulkar finish on 141 not out

"It has been a challenge because I am coming out of a serious injury. I had a couple of surgeries but you have just (got to) keep fighting and try to be mentally strong," he added.

The Indian batsman's magnificent century was not enough to win the match however, as rain stopped play 20 overs in to the West Indies run chase with their score at 2 for 141 – which was enough for a 29 run victory under the Duckworth/Lewis method.

The next match in the DLF Cup tri-series is on Saturday when Australia take on India with Tendulkar surely looking to fire again against the World Champions.